Apparatus for the improvement of bowling skills

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for use in a bowling game having an automatic pinsetter. If the bowler bowls a strike after a coin is inserted in the apparatus visual indicating means are actuated. Time delay means ensure that the coin must be inserted before the ball is thrown.

' United States Patent [72] Inventors Richard W. Munroe 1275 El CaminoRoad, Millhrae, Calii.

94030; Ronald G. Munroe, 27 Hastings Road, Old Bridge, NJ; 08857 [21Appl. No. 740,256 22] Filed June 26, I968 [45] Patented Aug. 10, 1971[54] APPARATUS FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF BOWLING SKILLS 9 Claims, 3 DrawingFigs.

[52] U.S.Cl. 194/9 [5i] Int. Cl G07t5/l0 [50] Field of Search l94/9 [561References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,l00,034 8/1963 Spohrer 194/9 X3,l43,345 8/l964 Greenwald l94/9 X Primary ExaminerStanley H. TollbergAttorney-Flehr, Hohbach, Test, Albritton & Herbert ABSTRACT: Apparatusfor use in a bowling game having an automatic pinsetter. It the bowlerbowls a strike after a coin is inserted in the apparatus visualindicating means are actuated.

vTime delay means ensure that the coin must be inserted before the ballis thrown.

STRIKE LIGHT APPARATUS FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF BOWLING SKILLS BACKGROUNDOF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed in general toapparatus for use with a bowling game having an automatic pinsetter forthe improvement of bowling skill.

Increasing labor costs and a desire for greater efficiency andconvenience have caused the automation of games of amusement such asbowling. However, with the attendant reduction of personnel in a bowlinghouse and the necessary use of more technically oriented personnel thepromotion of the game itself has suffered. Thus, there is a need for apromotional method or device especially adapted for use with anautomated bowling game which is itself entirely automatic. Such apromotional device should stimulate the bowler to better his skill, beeasy to operate, and should be dependable, automatic, and error free inoperation.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF INVENTION It is therefore an object of theinvention to provide apparatus especially adapted for use with a bowlinggame which stimulates the bowler to better his skill.

It is another object of the invention to provide apparatus as abovewhich is automatic,- dependable and error free in operation.

In accordance with the above objects there is provided an apparatus foruse with a bowling game of the type in which a ball is'rolled toward agroup of pins and in which the number of pins knocked down are sensed byan automated device which provides a predetermined signal when all pinsin the group are knocked down. This signal has a predetermined timeduration. The apparatus comprises means for collecting coins and visualindicating means. Means including time delay means are responsive to thecoin collecting means for coupling the automated device to theindicating means to provide a path for the signal. The time delay meansdelay this coupling for a time greater than the predetermined timeduration. The indicating means is responsive to the signal to provide anindication that all pins have been knocked down.

- BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view ofapparatus embodying the present invention; I

FIG. 2 is a circuit schematic embodying the present invention; and

FIG. 3 is a timing diagram useful in understanding the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT FIG. 1 illustrates a box 11which would normally be placed between two lanes, for example lanenumber 1 and lane number 2, of a bowling'hous'e. The apparatus isdivided into two halves, Ila and 1 lb, each half being associated with aparticular bowling lane.

Each half includes externally a coin slot 12, a coin return button 13,and a coin return receptacle 14. A light under translucent plate 16entitled INSERT COIN NOW tells the bowling player when to insert a coinin slot 12. A counter l7 counts the number of coins inserted. If thebowler makes a strike a strike light 18 is lit. Dashed line 22 indicatesthat there is a separate light for each half of the apparatus.

The apparatus of the present invention is most advantageously used inconjunction with the game of bowling or 10 pins. In addition, thebowling game should be automated in that an automatic pinsetter isusedwhich automatically sets up the pins to be bowled down, indicateswhen all of the pins have been knoeked'downor strike is made by a light,indicates in the'absence of a strike which pins have been knocked down,and in all other respects, duplicates the functions heretofore manuallyperformed to have the automated pinsetter function in accordance withthe rules of bowling as adopted by the American Bowling Association.These include a game which is divided into l0 frames, each frame havinga first and second ball cycle. In other words, for each frame the bowlernormally would be provided with two opportunities to throw his balltwice at the pins if he fails to produce a strike or knock down all ofthe pins on his first ball. Thus, the automated pinsetting equipment isset up so that on the first ball it is in ball cycle number 1 and if astrike is made it is retained in that cycle. If only part of the pinsare knocked down the so-called deck" (a holder for the pins) as it islowered senses the remaining pins standing and the pinsetter goes intoits ball cycle number 2. This allows the bowler to throw his second balland attempt to make what is termed a spare." After the second ball isthrown the pinsetter then returns to ball cycle number I to beginanother frame. The fact that the frame has ended is also signaled byanother switch in the automatic pinsetter apparatus. Finally, if astrike is made another switch will provide an indication by light meansof a strike.

The above essential switches are shown in FIG. 2 in the block labeledpinsetter. The ball cycle switch is shown in its number I positionmeaning that it is the beginning of a frame and the pinsetter is readyto receive the first ball. This switch is of a bistable type. The othertwo switches labeled strike switch and end of frame" switch aremomentary close switches only which ground the appropriate line. They,as explained above, are actuated by the pinsetter. It should beemphasized at this point that although specific switches are shown andthe switches when either closed or open ground a line, this is arepresentative showing only. In actual practice the specific circuitryof the automatic pinsetter would be coupled to in the most economicaland simple manner. For example where isolation transformers are used areturn line to the other side of the transformer coil would be usedinstead of ground. In addition, although a separate ball cycle switchand a frame switch are shown in some automated pinsetting devices, thesemight be combined.

The automatic strike indication feature of the pinsetter as discussedabove provides the illumination of a so-called strike light" when astrike is made. This light, in order togive the bowler adequate noticeremains on a predetermined time duration. Concomitantly the strikeswitch will also remain closed this predetermined time duration toprovide, in essence, a signal which indicates that a strike has beenmade.

Very briefly, the operation of the device, referring now to FIG. Iagain; allows the bowler to insert a coin in a coin slot 12 beforerolling the first ball of the frame and if a strike is made strikelightl8 will be illuminated. The illumination of light I8 is thereforean indication that the bowler has predicted he wouldbowl a strike andthat he has done so. This is believed to place the bowler under stressresembling actual competition, thereby increasing his bowling skills andadding to his enjoymentof the game.

The specific circuitry for accomplishing the above, which is containedin box 11, is illustrated in FIG. 2. All of the circuit components asillustrated are coupled to a low voltage source which is preferably 24volts. This reduces any shock hazard. The voltage may be obtained fromany convenient location but inth e preferred'embodiment it is obtainedfrom the pinsetter itself. This is most convenient since several controlwires, such as to the strike switch and the frame switch, must also becoupled into the pinsetter automated mechanism.

More specifically, the circuit of FIG. 2 includes twobistable relaysgenerally indicated at 23 and 24. Relay 23 includes set and reset'coils,so labeled, which are coupled to a moving contactarm 26. The arm isshown in its initial or reset condition. Similarly, relay 24 includesset and reset coils with moving contact arms 27 and 28, both of whichare in their reset positions. I

A coin drop switch 29 couples the set coil of relay 23 to ground throughthe ball cycle switch of the pinsetter. Thus, as soon as a coin' isdropped in slot 12 it, in essence, closes the switch and completes thecircuit through the set coil between the voltage source and groundthereby actuating moving arm 26 into its other or set position. In thisposition arm 26 is coupled through a time delay relay 3] which includesa time delay coil 32 and a switch 33. The time delay of time delay coil32 is adjusted by rheostat 34 which is coupled to the 24-volt source.Switching arm 26 connects the other side of the time delay coil 32 toground through the number 1 ball position of the ball cycle switch.After a predetermined time delay of, for example IO seconds, switch 33of the time delay relay 3] is closed coupling the reset coil of relay 23to ground through position number I of the ball cycle switch. At thesame time the set coil of relay 24 is also coupled to ground thereby actuating relay 24 to move arms 27 and 28 to their other or set position.Thus, the set coil and the reset coil of relay 23 are interlocked sothat the phasing between the two relays is always maintained.

Arm 27 is coupled to the strike switch of the pinsetter which isnormally in an open condition and only momentarily closes to ground upona strike indication. In its set position switch arm 27 couples to aparallel circuit containing three legs all terminating at the 24 voltsource. One leg contains strike light 18 which is in series with aflasher device which opens and closes the circuit at a predeterminedrate to flash the light I8. The counter 17 is also actuated when light18 is flashing.

Switch arm 28 of relay 24 in its reset position couples through switcharm 26 and thus to the ball cycle switch. An INSERT COIN NOW" light 16'is in parallel with coin accept mechanism 37. Both light 16' and coinaccept mechanism 37 are coupled to the 24 volt voltage source.

Lastly, the reset coil of relay 24 is coupled to the END OF FRAME"switch which when momentarily closed at the end of the frame actuatesthe reset coil to return relay 24 to its reset position as shown.

OPERATION The present invention can be best explained by dividing itsoperation into several phases. In its phase A" the pinsetter has beenactivated and the ball cycle switch is in cycle number I meaning thatthe bowler is at the beginning of a frame where the first ball is to bethrown. At this time relays 23 and 24 are in their reset positions andtime delay switch 33 is open. Also, at this time the coin accept device37 along with the INSERT COIN NOW" light 16 are both activated throughswitch arm 28, switch arm 26 of relay 23, and the ground of the ballcycle switch to indicate to the bowler that he may insert a coin in slot12.

Ifa coin is inserted in slot 12, coin drop switch 29 is closed to shiftthe circuit into its phase If the coin is sensed by the coin acceptmechanism to be a good coin it is accepted and the switch 29 is closed.Such coin accept devices are well known in the art and may be purchasedas a standard unit with the proper output switch. Closure of switch 29energizes the set coil of relay 24 to move switching arm 26 into its setposition to energize time delay coil 32. At the same time the movementof switch arm 26 has opened the circuit to the INSERT COIN NOW" light I6and the coin accept coil 37; thus, the light is extinguished. Anyadditional coins inserted will automatically be returned through thecoin receptacle l4 (FIG. I). The time delay heater 32 may be adjusted bymeans of rheostat 34 between and seconds. The significance of thisadjustment will be explained below. After the predetermined timeduration switch 33 is closed the circuit enters its phase In phase C"closure of switch 33 couples the reset coil of relay 23 to groundthrough the ball cycle switch to cause the relay to be reset to theposition as shown. This takes the time delay coil 32 out of the circuitand opens switch 33. However, during the momentary closure of switch 33the set coil of relay 24 was also coupled to ground through the ballcycle switch to set relay 24. This action caused switch arm 28 to moveto an open or set condition to maintain insert coin light I6 off despitethe resetting of arm 26 of relay 23. Also, the coin accept device 37 ismaintained off to again return any coins to the bowler inserted at thistime.

The closure of switch 33 and setting of relay 24 has also moved switcharm 27 into contact with the circuit containing the strike light 18.Thus, the strike switch of the automated pinsetter is now coupled to thestrike light I8 so that any activation of the strike switch by thepinsetter mechanism will activate the strike light 18', in other words,a signal path is completed between the strike switch and light 18. Inaddition, counter 17 is ready to count such token if a strike is made.Note that the counter 17 can also be placed across the set coil of relay23 to count the number of coins played.

If the bowler knocks down all of the pins and gets a strike" phase D" ofthe operation is entered. In this phase the strike switch has closed forits predetermined time duration which is usually approximately 10seconds. This causes strike light I8 to flash indicating to the bowlerthat he has made a strike.

In the last phase E" of operation the strike switch opens after 10seconds and the end of frame closed to actuate the reset coil of relay24. This resets the circuit to its initial condition. In this conditionswitch arm 28 of relay 24 causes A." light 16' to be lit and the coinaccept device 37 to be ready to accept the coin. Thus, it is now inphase A If no strike is made then the ball cycle switches from posi tionnumber 1 to number 2. This opens the ground through switch arm 28 to theinsert coin light 16 to thus disable it. In addition, the coincollecting means 37 are disabled also to prevent the accidentalcollection of a coin if one should be inserted.

The resetting of relay 24 in addition to deactivating insert coin lightI6 through switch 28 opens the path between the strike switch and thestrike light I8. This resetting is, of course, accomplished by the endof frame switch which, in essence, indicates the end of a particularsequence of operations of the bowling device when two cycles arecompleted.

FIG. 3 is a timing diagram of a preferred mode of practicing theinvention showing the usefulness of the time delay period which isindicated. As illustrated, this time delay period has been given anominal value of 12 seconds; the time duration during which the strikelight is on is I0 seconds. This time duration occurs as indicated at thebeginning of the closure of the strike switch and continues until theend of frame.

The operation is graphically shown along the abscissa line 40 startingwhere the previous frame has ended and the apparatus has been cycledback to its phase A" where all relays are reset. As shown, the INSERTCOIN NOW" light is illuminated. When the coin is inserted this has beendesignated time zero. For the average bowler 4 seconds will elapse untilthe ball is thrown, two seconds until a strike occurs, and twoadditional seconds for the deck on the pinsetter to descend to sensethat all pins have been knocked over. At this point the strike switch isclosed. The time delay period indicated at 41 illustrates the time atwhich the time delay relay has been initially activated and when switch33 will close. This switch, of course, must be closed to activate relay24 and complete the path between the strike switch and the token ejector36. Thus, at the end of the time delay period if the strike light of theautomatic pinsetter is on at that time the completion of the path willcause the activation of light I8.

Thus, it is apparent that the end of the time delay period must occur,if the apparatus is to function effectively, within the "strike light onperiod. The purpose of this time delay period is largely to prevent abowler from inserting a coin in the apparatus after the strike occursand he thereby being given an erroneous light I8 indication. Thus, theoperation of the time delay period is indicated by the dashed lines 42where if the bowler watches a strike occur and then after a second haselapsed inserts a coin in the apparatus the switch 33 of the time delayrelay will not close until after the end of frame indication hasoccurred. If switch 33 does close to complete the path to the strikeswitch by the setting of relay 24, no effective action will take placesince the strike switch has already opened Thus, it is apparent that thetime delay period must be longer than the time duration the strike lightis on (preferably 12 or 13 seconds) to prevent defeating the operationof the apparatus.

On the other hand, the time delay period must not be so long as to causethe time period 41 to exceed the strike light on period. This mightoccur with a relatively fast bowler who, after inserting a coinimmediately makes his approach and throws the ball at a relatively highvelocity to cause the strike to occur in perhaps 4 seconds. Assuming a2-second period between the occurrence of the strike and the time atwhich the strike switch is activated this would mean that the maximumtime delay period is the strike light on period of seconds plus 6seconds. Therefore, the maximum time delay is 16 seconds.

Thus, in summary the present invention has provided an improvedapparatus for use with a bowling game which improves the skill of thebowler by placing him under competitive stress. Moreover, the apparatusis economically integrated into the automatic pinsetting mechanism andis dependable and error free in operation.

We claim:

1. An amusement apparatus for use with a bowling game of the type inwhich a ball is rolled toward a group of pins and in which the number ofpins knocked down are sensed by an automated device which provides apredetermined signal when all pins in said group are knocked down, saidsignal having a predetermined time duration, said apparatus comprising,means for collecting coins, indicating means, and means in cluding timedelay means responsive to said collecting means collecting a coin forcoupling said automated device to said indicating means to provide apath for said signal, said time delay means delaying said coupling for atime interval greater than said predetermined time duration saidindicating means being responsive to said signal for providing anindication of all pins being knocked down.

2. An amusement apparatus as in claim I in which said time delay meansdelay said coupling no longer than said predetermined time duration plusthe time needed for a relatively fast bowler to insert a coin in saidcollecting means and roll a ball toward said pins.

3. An amusement apparatus as in claim 1 in which said time delay is nolonger than said predetermined time duration plus 6 seconds.

4. Apparatus as in claim 1 including means for disabling said collectingmeans.

5. Apparatus as in claim 4 in which said automated device includes meansfor indicating two different cycles of said game and in which saiddisabling means is responsive to one of said cycles for disabling saidcollecting means.

6. Apparatus as in claim 1 together with means for opening said path tosaid indicating means.

7. Apparatus as in claim 6 in which said automated device includes meansfor indicating the end of a particular sequence of operations of saidgame and in which said uncoupling means is responsive to said indicationto' open said path.

8. Apparatus as in claim 1 together with means for indicating when saidapparatus is in a condition to receive a coin and for interlocking saidcollecting means with said indicating means so that collecting of a coindisables said indication.

9. An amusement apparatus for use with a bowling game of the type inwhich a ball is rolled down a lane toward a group of pins and in whichthe number of pins knocked down are sensed by an automatic pinsetterwhich provides a strike signal of a predetermined time duration by meansof a strike switch and also includes ball cycle and end of frameswitches, and apparatus comprising, first and second relays each havingset and reset actuating coils said second relay including first andsecond switches, a coin drop switch coupled to said set coil of saidfirst relay for activating said coil, means for accepting coins,indicating means, a time delay switch coupled to said reset coil of saidfirst relay for resetting said relay, said coin dro switch and said timedelay switch being coupled together an terminated on said ball cycleswitch, said set coil of said second relay also being coupled inparallel with the reset coil of said first relay and said reset coil ofsaid second relay being terminated to ground through said end of frameswitch. said first relay having a moving switch arm which in its setposition couples an actuating coil of said time delay switch to saidball cycle switch and in a second reset position couples said ball cycleswitch to said first switch of said second relay which completes thecircuit to said coin acceptor means said second switch of said secondrelay in its set position coupling said strike switch to said indicatingmeans.

1. An amusement apparatus for use with a bowling game of the type inwhich a ball is rolled toward a group of pins and in which the number ofpins knocked down are sensed by an automated device which provides apredetermined signal when all pins in said group are knocked down, saidsignal having a predetermined time duration, said apparatus comprising,means for collecting coins, indicating means, and means including timedelay means responsive to said collecting means collecting a coin forcoupling said automated device to said indicating means to provide apath for said signal, said time delay means delaying said coupling for atime interval greater than said predetermined time duration saidindicating means being responsive to said signal for providing anindication of all pins being knocked down.
 2. An amusement apparatus asin claim 1 in which said time delay means delay said coupling no longerthan said predetermined time duration plus the time needed for arelatively fast bowler to insert a coin in said collecting means androll a ball toward said pins.
 3. An amusement apparatus as in claim 1 inwhich said time delay is no longer than said predetermined time durationplus 6 seconds.
 4. Apparatus as in claim 1 including means for disablingsaid collecting means.
 5. Apparatus as in claim 4 in which saidautomated device includes means for indicating two different cycles ofsaid game and in which said disabling means is responsive to one of saidcycles for disabling said collecting means.
 6. Apparatus as in claim 1together with means for opening said path to said indicating means. 7.Apparatus as in claim 6 in which said automated device includes meansfor indicating the end of a particular sequence of operations of saidgame and in which said uncoupling means is responsive to said indicationto open said path.
 8. Apparatus as in claim 1 together with means forindicating when said apparatus is in a condition to receive a coin andfor interlocking said collecting means with said indicating means sothat collecting of a coin disables said indication.
 9. An amusementapparatus for use with a bowling game of the type in which a ball isrolled down a lane toward a group of pins and in which the number ofpins knocked down are sensed by an automatic pinsetter which provides astrike signal of a predetermined time duration by means of a strikeswitch and also includes ball cycle and end of frame switches, andapparatus comprising, first and second relays each having set and resetactuating coils said second relay including first and second switches, acoin drop switch coupled to said set coil of said first relay foractivating said coil, means for accepting coins, indicating means, atime delay switch coupled to said reset coil of said first relay forresetting said relay, said coin drop switch and said time delay switchbeing coupled together and terminated on said ball cycle switch, saidset coil of said second relay also being coupled in parallel with thereset coil of said first relay and said reset coil of said second relaybeing terminated to ground through said end of frame switch, said firstrelay having a moving switch arm which in its set position couples anactuating coil of said time delay switch to said ball cycle switch andin a second reset position couples said ball cycle switch to said firstswitch of said second relay which completes the circuit to said coinacceptor means said second switch of said second relay in its setposition coupling said strike switch to said indicating means.